DR. CALVIN JOHNSON Educator, Civic Leader and Visionary
1
PRIDE Magazine
Twona Frazier (left) and Samille Palm, members of the John McLinn Ross Players perform in a scene during a production of Once on This Island at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
2
PRIDE Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Magazine
Cover
36 Dr. Calvin Johnson, interim chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff reflects on the past year at UAPB's helm. From meeting with alumni to dealing with issues in leadership, accreditation, faculty and assessments in instruction, there are lessons to be learned. Now that the selection process is complete, he is preparing to continue a chapter in his life he started almost two years ago – retirement. Story by Tisha D. Arnold. Photography by Brian T. Williams.
Alumni
32 From Newport, Arkansas to new ventures in medical school, Quiana Childress has worked hard to get where she is today and credits UAPB for a firm foundation. Once the main subject of the Spring 2010 Commencement speech by first Lady Michelle Obama and a feature on ABC World News, she is more motivated than ever to reach her ultimate goal of becoming U.S. Surgeon General. Story by Donna Mooney. Photography by Brian T. Williams. 4 Letter from the Editor 5 Chancellor’s Letter
Academics
25 Two complete strangers met at UAPB to reinvigorate a dormant program that was losing vitality. Five years later, they have seasons of award winning productions, forged key partnerships and more than doubled their majors. Story by Tisha D. Arnold. Photography by Brian T. Williams.
Faculty
28 Art Professor Danny Campbell has a unique art style that is visually enticing, however, most people are not aware of how the style came to be. Story by Tisha D. Arnold. Photography by Brian T. Williams.
06 News & Events 13 Then & Now 15 Instant Replay 18 Research 22 Athletics 41 In Memoriam
Inaugural Edition
3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Vol. 1 No. 1/Inaugural Edition Program Director for Public Information/Senior Editor
Tisha D. Arnold
WELCOME NEW HORIZON
PRIDE Magazine is a digest of the multifaceted aspects of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with the purpose of fostering a lasting connection with its readers and furthering the mission of the institution. The launch of this publication is the introduction of a horizon of new possibilities for the university.
Since assuming my position in the Office of Planning, Institutional Research and Public Information, I’ve been on a mission to tell stories that show the great work I see at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on a daily basis. We are primed to soar to new levels if we take advantage of our unique position. Having learned so much from the last 140 years, we have the capability to write a great story for the next chapter of our rich history that will make our descendants proud. The name of the magazine clearly shows its intent. Its name is homophonic and indicative of both its meanings – the way in which a group of lions travel and the act of boasting or selfrespect. As you can see from the contributors list, it takes a number of people to put a magazine together. The collaborative efforts of the group – or pride in this case – worked together to create a stellar document. It is not the intent of the publication to condescend others, but to ascend above the expectation of its readers and positively impact their perception of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 4
PRIDE Magazine
When we set out to produce this publication, we wanted to create something that would differentiate itself from the run of the mill University magazine. We purposely intended for PRIDE to be different. My hope is that as you flip through the pages, you will be inspired by the stories therein and be encouraged to share yours with us for subsequent issues. I am thankful to Chancellor Johnson for his vision and willingness to support this project and cannot say enough about the group of talented individuals I have the pleasure of working with. A dream team like Brian T. Williams, Donna Mooney, the Research and Extension Communications Office and others make producing a publication of this magnitude an enjoyable task. Transition is a time of uncertainty – but an inevitable part of life. Just as the sun rises and sets, seasons change, children grow up and people ‘refine’, time brings about new possibilities. Now more than ever, now is the time that we should expect more of ourselves and not be afraid to show the world who we are. Now is the time to thrive on purpose and soar intentionally. “Excellence is a choice not an accident.”
Program Director for Public Information/Senior Editor
Contributing Writers
Tisha D. Arnold Bobbie Handcock LTC Jeff Foster Michael Lee Donna Mooney Dana Smith Carol Sanders Edrin Nicholson Creative Director and Photography
Brian T. Williams Correspondence, Address Changes and Gifts University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ATTN: Pride Magazine 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4789 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 870.575.8946 Email pridemag@uapb.edu Website www.uapbpridemag.wordpress.com Pride Magazine is published by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff of the University of Arkansas System The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations. The university has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. This policy extends to all educational, service and employment programs of the university. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604 IMPORTANT NUMBERS Academic Affairs
(870)575-8475 Admissions (870)575-8492 Athletics (870)575-7950 Disability Services/Veteran Affairs (870)575-8293 Division of Military Science (870)575-8446 Graduate Studies and Continuing Education (870)575-8315 Office of the Chancellor (870)575-8470 Public Safety (870)575-8102 Recruitment (870)575-7176 School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (870)575-7201 School of Arts & Sciences (870)575-8210 School of Business and Management (870)575-8233 School of Education (870)575-8110 University College (870)575-8335 Let Us Know What You Think! We want to know what you think of this issue of PRIDE. To share your opinions, email us at pridemag@uapb.edu.
LETTER FROM THE CHANCELLOR
'Noodles" from the Garden Series Š Danny Campbell
T
Danny Campbell talks about the origin of his unique art form on page 28.
he University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is in a great position to do some great things and make its name even greater. We have a rich history and many things we can tout and take pride in. The launch of Pride Magazine provides us another avenue to tell our own story. I think it is important that we bring attention to those individuals, initiatives, programs and activities that work tirelessly to produce successful faculty, staff and students. We should take pride in the fact that we have been in existence for 140 years. It was the undying passion of early leaders that made it possible for us to enjoy the campus, facilities and resources we have today. We can also take pride in the fact that our Teacher Education Program was granted continued accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) until 2019. The School of Education is to be commended for this feat. Out of class experiences, like those afforded internships, by the Marching Band, Vesper Choir, Debate Team, and the John McLinn Ross players, reinforce skills in our students that will help them to remain successful in their respective careers. This resonates with Career Services to cultivate the kinds of students employers are looking for. We can certainly be proud of our Athletics department and the strides they made in the past year. The football team made history by winning the SWAC Championship - the first outright win in the history of the institution. Our men and women basketball teams had outstanding seasons and the baseball team is headed for the tournament as well as our softball team. Having been in education for several years, I am aware of the changing landscape and the issues related to accountability and efficiency that influence and structure our work. These issues will help us better prepare for our roles in serving our students now and in the future. More than ever before, it is dependent upon us to seize the opportunity to champion our own institution and bring it to the forefront in a positive way.
Interim Chancellor
Inaugural Edition
5
NEWS & EVENTS
MEN'S DAY ASSEMBLY - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCZ_gD_10cc
Lion Fever Day Junior and senior high school students from around the state and surrounding states visited UAPB and had an opportunity to see various parts of the campus, speak with collegiate advisors in an effort to gain details about his/her desired area or major. Activities included a college fair, campus tour, performances by the Marching Band and select student and Greek organizations.
Men's Celebration 2013 Attorney Efrem Barnes Neely, Sr. speaks to attendees during the assembly. Licensed to practice before the Arkansas State Courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western District, Neely also followed in both of his parent’s footsteps by attending UAPB where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He then attended the University of Arkansas School of Law to obtain his Juris Doctorate. scan the qr code with your smartphone or tablet to watch this event on youtube.
Chancellor's Spring Convocation Interim Chancellor Dr. Calvin Johnson gives the keynote address during Spring Convocation. The theme for the year was Accountability and Efficiency: Gateway to the Future. scan the qr code
http://kaywa.me/BbR2c
Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!
UAPB Spring Convocation - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4NejCfnEs
event on youtube.
with your smartphone or tablet to watch this
http://kaywa.me/FfgN3
Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!
26Th Annual Chancellors Benefit For The Arts With the theme, “In the Year of the Lion” the black tie event honored Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., longtime chancellor of UAPB; Mr. J. Thomas May, chairman/ceo of Simmons First National Corporation and Mr. Monte Coleman, head football coach of the UAPB Golden Lions Football Team. YMTF School Assembly featuring Dr. Angela Davis... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fSTj58x3sE
scan the qr code with your smartphone or tablet to
watch this event on youtube.
http://kaywa.me/rIT5E
Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!
Science Fair Exposition Junior and Senior high school students will converge at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) February 21 to compete for a chance to win a full ride scholarship to UAPB. The goal of the Expo is to enhance the readiness of students for regional fairs and the state fair at the University of Central Arkansas.
Youth Motivation Task Force The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff celebrated 40 years of presenting the Youth Motivation Task Force (YMTF) program and featured Author and Activist Dr. Angela Davis during the assembly. One of the most significant and exhilarating programs provided for UAPB students, the goals of YMTF are to encourage them to take full advantage of the benefits available, give guidance on how to succeed in their careers and look at life in the real world of work through the experiences of seasoned professionals. scan the
YMTF School Assembly featuring Dr. Angela Davis... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fSTj58x3sE
qr code with your smartphone or tablet to watch this event on
6
PRIDE Magazine
youtube. http://kaywa.me/rIT5E
THE BEHOLDER FILM SET — with Tenisha Allen, LaMar Quincy LaGrant, Kelsey Newman and Alexis M Skinner. Photographs courtesy of 3WC.
in the eyes of the BEAUTY IS
BEHOLDer
Short film produced by alumna chosen by NC film festival
– “The Beholder,” a short film produced by May 2011 UAPB graduate Tenisha Allen was chosen as an Official Selection of the North Carolina Black film festival. The film has already won an award for Best Actress, honoring Alexis Skinner, UAPB Theatre Instructor. The sensational young filmmaker exercises her instruction from UAPB’s philosophy department highlighting sibling rivalry. The spin on this classic tugof-war is unique to people of color and is often an unhealthy stratification which ranks dark skin at the totem pole’s base and lighter skin at the top worms its way into individual self-esteem. Inspired by her own sisters’ struggles rooted in jealous envy seeded by colorism, Tenisha Allen penned a parable-like script - a story of loving who you are on the threat of losing it. The Beholder Film is a snapshot of Pine Bluff ’s young artist community composed of UAPB students, local designers and musicians. The cast includes: Lauren Akins, Bennu Ankh Re, Carlton Brewer, Danny Burl, Na’shall Castle, Marquies Carter, Marchello Eans, Winter Eans, Obafemi Karamoko, Kelsey Newman, Obum Nwankwo, UAPB SGA President, Amirha Singleton and Alexis M. Skinner. The Beholder was produced in cooperation with Bobby Dandridge and The Black Butterfly Media team’s production assistance.
north carolina
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN T. WILLIAMS
Inaugural Edition
7
NEWS & EVENTS
Sunrise Service Reverend Lloyd Holcomb delivers the keynote address and urges attendees to cherish history and remember from whence they came.
Poetry Slam At left, Adelras “Kidd” Johnson performs at the Poetry Slam during Founders’ Celebration. Below, UAPB Greek organizations and alumni help sort items at Salvation Army. Photos by Brian T. Williams.
140TH FOUNDER’S CELEBRATION
Convocation Elyssia Freeman, president of the Senior Class presented the Senior Wish, a tradition that has not been done since its appearance in the 1925 Alpha – one of the oldest known yearbooks for UAPB.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff marked 140 years during Founders’ Celebration. With the theme, “Inspired by the Past to Impact the Future,” festivities included traditional events and featured a Vintage Fashion Show, Community Service with Salvation Army and Poetry Slam. Founders’ Celebration is a tradition that has been going on for over 60 years blending academics, social activities, and history in an effort to communicate not only the history of the University, but also the importance of remembering how history built the school into what it is today.
Concert Attendees enjoyed a litany of music at the Founders’ Concert which included guest saxophonist Benjamin “Skip” Pruitt and African dance by the John McLinn Ross Players as the Wind Symphony performed.
Vintage Fashion Show The Vintage Fashion Show featured 80 years of fashion on UAPB’s campus and included clothing from 1911 (shown here, an ensemble from the John McLinn Ross Players production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone) to 1991. 8
PRIDE Magazine
thank you I am most thankful to the donors that give to support students like me. Without the help of those that give so generously, I would not be able to purchase books that are essential to my overall success at UAPB. I am not only inspired to excel, I am inspired to give back and help other students.
pedal for philanthropy Bobbie Handcock | SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND HUMAN SCIENCES
C
hildren at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ’s Child Development Center recently learned about bike safety and raised donations during the St. Jude Trike-AThon. Youngsters climbed aboard bikes of various colors and sizes and pedaled around a course set up in a nearby parking lot. The Trike-A-Thon marked the end of a week of safety curriculum and fundraising to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The annual tradition of the Thon is intended to support a great cause and to help young children understand how good it feels to give more than you expect to get back,” said Debra Jefferson, interim director of the Child Development Center. “The children heard about bicycle safety all week long. They have also heard about the importance of riding their bicycles and other supervised outdoor activities, such as running, jumping and climbing.” The children have also been reminded that this helps to build their large muscles so that they grow up healthy and strong, she said. “One of the Child Development Center’s focuses for the school year has been prevention of childhood obesity,” she
said. “We added more physical activity to the children’s day beginning in August 2012.” Children got a workout as they rode bikes, trikes and scooters during the Trike-a-Thon. Many of the young riders wore various safety equipment including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads as they circled the area. Some family members came out to support the children during the Trike-a-Thon. Emmanuel Gonder, an agriculture business major at UAPB, stopped by to give his 3-year-old cousin, Tristan Polk, some pointers on riding a bike. “It’s great for the kids,” Gonder said of the event. “It’s great that they’re making them aware of how important safety is.” Curtis Criss watched his 5-year-old son, Emmanuel, pedal around the parking lot. “He enjoys riding his bike every evening,” he said. “It’s good exercise. It’s good that they are learning about bike safety.” The children also learned about helping others. Donnell Reed, 4, stopped riding long enough to explain that Trike-AThon’s goal is to “help people at the research hospital, to help sick kids. We’re raising money.”
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRAD MAYHUGH
Brianna Allen Chemistry Pine Bluff, AR
Inaugural Edition
9
NEWS & EVENTS
It’s official:
University of Arkansas Board approves Dr. Laurence Alexander as the next chancellor of the University Arkansas at Pine Bluff By Michael S. Lee | PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL
T
he University of Arkansas Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Laurence B. Alexander as the next chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Alexander was nominated for the post by UA System President Donald R. Bobbitt in the culmination of a search process that began with the May 25, 2012 retirement of former chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr. “I am really honored and humbled all at the same time to have the opportunity to succeed someone of Dr. Davis’ stature who has done such great things for UAPB and who has been a driving force for the last more than two decades,” Alexander said Thursday evening. “He has done an exceptional job as chancellor and those are some mighty big shoes to fill. I am honored to be the one to follow him and to build on his success; build on what has been a great foundation.” Alexander thanked interim chancellor Calvin Johnson for his service to UAPB. “It is quite gratifying that Arkansas has such talented and extraordinary leaders that can step in like Dr. Calvin Johnson who stepped up to the plate and guided the university on an upward trajectory,” Alexander said. Alexander has a clear picture of his overall vision for his chancellorship at UAPB.
10
PRIDE Magazine
“I look forward to beginning a new era for UAPB that we anticipate will be marked and identified by the growth, size and stature of its academic programs; the development of its students for graduation and success; and by the advancement of the university in a number of respects to achieve all that it can be,” Alexander said. “The search committee made an excellent decision,” Broughton said. “I think this is the start of something good. I’ve known Dr. Davis for a number of years. He was my first professor at UAPB. So, anybody less than Dr. Alexander would be less than Dr. Davis would expect.
“I believe that what separated Dr. Alexander from the rest comes down to his presentation in terms of his depth and breadth of vision,” Broughton said. “He not only addressed the remediation and graduation issue at UAPB but also expressed his appreciation for the school’s mission to educate people who are not given any other options. He views the fact that UAPB continues to be an open institution as a credit and said that the university will continue to educate those students.” Broughton said Alexander also emphasized that UAPB has a long history of producing successful scientists, business people and community leaders and that he will strive to continue to attract the best and the brightest to UAPB. “He talked about continuing to improve some of the wonderful programs there,” Broughton said. “He talked about the very strong STEM program and his desire to see it continue to grow.” Broughton said Alexander also displayed an appreciation for the Delta and its culture. “He grew up in New Orleans and understands the type of students that we are educating,” Broughton said. “He understands what a land grant institution is and how it is funded. He’s really looking forward to working with a university that has in recent years had some issues but also has such a rich history.”
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Spirit Assembly Spirit Assembly Children the UAPB Children fromfrom the UAPB ChildChild Development Development showshow theirtheir pridepride during the Black and Gold during the Black and Gold SpiritSpirit Assembly. Above, the football Assembly. Above, the football upthe forgame the game against teamteam revs revs up for against Mississippi Valley. Mississippi Valley.
Coronation Coronation Raulanda Watley is crowned the 83rd Raulanda Watley is crowned as theas83rd MissMiss University of Arkansas at Pine during University of Arkansas at Pine BluffBluff during the the Coronation Ceremony. Coronation Ceremony.
HOMECOMING 2013 HOMECOMING 2013
the theme, “Experience the Pride,” Homecoming WithWith the theme, “Experience the Pride,” Homecoming 20122012 included a cadre of activities and began a partnership included a cadre of activities and began a partnership with with the the Wal-Mart for sponsorships. Events included the Gospel locallocal Wal-Mart for sponsorships. Events included the Gospel Extravaganza, the Café, and Gold Assembly, Extravaganza, Jazz Jazz in theinCafé, BlackBlack and Gold SpiritSpirit Assembly, Coronation, Alumni Assembly, and Parade. Coronation, Alumni Assembly, StepStep ShowShow and Parade. The The Golden the Mississippi University Golden LionsLions beat beat the Mississippi ValleyValley StateState University DeltaDelta Devils a terrific end an exciting Homecoming Devils 10-0 10-0 for a for terrific end to antoexciting week.week. Homecoming willheld be held October 12-19. All photos by Richard Redus. 20132013 will be October 12-19. All photos by Richard Redus.
The Coronation Ceremony featured The Coronation Ceremony featured an African Sahara theme and African an African Sahara theme and African dance choreographed by UAPB alumnus dance choreographed by UAPB alumnus Dorian Collier. Below, UAPB/AM&N Dorian Collier. Below, UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association President Calvin Alumni Association President Calvin Booker speaks during the Annual Alumni Booker speaks during the Annual Alumni thecode qr code Assembly. Assembly. scanscan the qr with with youryour
Homecoming Parade Homecoming Parade Alumni Sonya Diamond and Mr. MissMiss Alumni Sonya Diamond and Mr. Alumni Arthur Holmes the crowd Alumni Arthur Holmes wavewave to thetocrowd the Homecoming Parade. Diamond at theatHomecoming Parade. Mrs.Mrs. Diamond is a member the Atlanta chapter is a member of theofAtlanta chapter and and Mr. Holmes is president the Memphis Mr. Holmes is president of theofMemphis chapter. chapter.
smartphone smartphone or tablet to watch this event or tablet to watch this event on youtube . on youtube .
Homecoming Game Homecoming Game Ben Anderson prepares Ben Anderson prepares to throw a pass during to throw a pass during the game where UAPB the game where UAPB MVSU beat beat MVSU 10-010-0
Inaugural Edition Inaugural Edition
11
11
NEWS & EVENTS
UAPB Interim Chancellor Calvin Johnson hands a degree holder to a graduate during Fall 2012 Commencement where Dr. Donald Bobbitt, below gave the address. . Photo: Richard Redus
LTC Jeff Foster speaks at the Military Ball during the 45th Anniversary Celebration of UAPB ROTC. Photo: Richard Redus
Luncheon Honoring Influential Women Thompson Hospitality Regional District Manager John Inman is pictured with Raulanda Watley, Miss UAPB (2nd from left) and luncheon honorees (l-r) Dr. Mary Benjamin, VC for Academic Affairs; Pine Bluff Mayor, Mrs. Debe Hollingsworth; and Mrs. Pauline Thomas, VC for Finance and Administration.
Chancellor Johnson is joined by Governor Beebe, Dr. Donald Bobbitt and others during the groundbreaking ceremony for the STEM Academy and Conference Center. The 29,000 sqft structure is expected to be complete by Spring 2014. Photo: Brian T. Williams.
U.S. Senator Mark Pryor gives the keynote address during Spring 2013 Commencement Exercises. Photo: Brian T. Williams.
Vivian Flowers, M.P.S., Director of Recruitment for Diversity at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences gave the keynote address at the Women’s Day Assembly. The theme for the two day celebration was “Empowering Women to Live Healthier, Happier Lives.” Photo: Richard Redus
Wal-Mart Stores donated a 40 foot trailer to the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) during the Wal-Mart Heart event for Jenkins Memorial Center adults. Photo: Brian T. Williams 12
PRIDE Magazine
Dr. Jelani Jabari, owner of Pedagogical Solutions, Inc. based in Detroit, MI speaks during the opening plenary at the 20th Annual Mary E. Benjamin Educational Access Conference. Photo: Richard Redus
Chancellor Johnson gives his address during Spring Convocation in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the HPER Complex. Photo: Richard Redus
THEN & NOW
FIGHTING TO WIN
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ROTC celebrates 45 years By LTC Jeff Foster | MILITARY SCIENCE
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (Army ROTC) is the largest officer producing organization in the United States military and has produced 500,000 Second Lieutenants since its foundation. It began when President Wilson signed the National Defense Act of 1916. Although military training had been taking place in civilian colleges and universities as early as 1819 with Norwich being the first one to be established, the signing of the National Defense Act brought this training under a single, federally controlled body. Today, ROTC has a total of 273 programs located at colleges and universities throughout 50 states with an overall enrollment of more than 350,000 according to the United States Army Accessions Command.
ROTC at Arkansas began at Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N College now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1967 when Chancellor Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. announced that the program would be offered in fall of 1968. According to an article in the Echo, the Army had not established any new since 1953. Arkansas AM&N College, along with the State College of Arkansas (now University of Central Arkansas) became some of the first Reserve Officer Training Corps to be established in over 15 years, being one of only 15 programs established that year. Introducing the program to the campus it fulfilled all its obligations required by the Morrill Act of 1890 that required all land grant colleges to teach military tactics. The first class that was enrolled had to make up both their Military Science Along with commissioning 60 percent of the 2nd Lieutenants I & Military Science II years (freshman who join the Army, more than 40 percent of the current active & sophomore) by attending what was known as an Army ROTC summer duty General Officers were commissioned ROTC. PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD REDUS
Inaugural Edition
13
THEN & NOW
camp, which was held at Fort Benning, Georgia. Among the first group of cadets was (Ret.) LTC Grover L. Gibson. In an interview, he described his experience in Georgia as that of a regular Army Boot Camp; as he goes on to explain that the company beside his consisted of actual enlisted soldiers going through Boot Camp. When fast-forwarded to present times and looking at the program enrollment size post 9/11 you will see that the number of cadets enrolled in the program is drastically different from that of the first decade (more than 1,000) of the program being established. The average number of cadets in the program now ranges between 70 to 100 cadets. “ROTC teaches the soft skills that employers look for in management - critical thinking, problem solving, team building, leadership theory, time management, communications, physical, mental and spiritual health much more than just Army stuff.”
that we teach, coach, and mentor students to be leaders. Not just in the Army, but in any endeavor they choose. If serving in the Reserves or National Guard, or only 4 years on Active Duty, our officers take the ROTC training and apply it to civilian careers in other government agencies - local, state, and Federal, nonprofit, corporate and community organizations.” legacy of honor Of the 368 recorded officers commissioned through the program at UAPB, only one of them has reached the rank of General - Brigadier General Aundre F. Piggee, a Distinguished Military graduate of the class of 1981. He comes from Stamps, Arkansas and joined the ROTC program in 1977 because it was mandatory for all freshmen students to take it but stayed in the program because he was offered a ROTC scholarship. He credits the ROTC program at UAPB with giving him both discipline and comradery. mixing it up Women were allowed to enroll into the program in 1972, however, the first group of women recorded to be commissioned into the United States Army from UAPB did not One Harris poll states that an Army ROTC graduate has the happen until 1978. The highest ranking knowledge, skills, and experience of someone who has been female to graduate from UAPB is Colonel Karen A. ChipChase, a native of Dermott, in the working world for 7 years after graduation. Arkansas. She graduated from UAPB in 1985 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and received In the coming years, Foster plans to continue to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance push hard to grow the Corps. She currently program to what the serves as the Chief of Army considers viability International Resource - which is commissioning Integration Branch, Army 14-15 officers each year Multinational Strategy consistently. and Programs Division, Headquarter Department “I'd like people to know of the Army (G-3/5/7). ROTC can be a major impact on a person’s life because it gives people the leadership attributes that businesses look for. The program at UAPB can take a person who has dreams of becoming a dentist and turn that same person into a general. That is the positive impact that the program at UAPB has had on it alumni that have come through the program.
14
PRIDE Magazine
INSTANT REPLAY INSTANT REPLAY INSTANT REPLAY
INSTANT REPLAY REPLAY INSTANT
Hard HardTruths Truths Hard Truths Hard Truths Hard Truths
UAPB Founders’ Convocation speaker Dr.Dr. Charles Nelms talks ofDr. HBCU challenges UAPB Founders’ UAPB Convocation Founders’ speaker Convocation Dr.Charles Charles speaker Nelms Dr.talks talks Charles ofCharles HBCU Nelms challenges talks of HBCU challe UAPB Founders’ Convocation speaker Nelms talks of HBCU UAPB Founders’ Convocation speaker Nelms of HBCU challenges By Michael S. LeeS.S. | PINE COMMERCIAL ByMichael Michael Lee| BLUFF | PINEBLUFF BLUFF By Michael COMMERCIAL Lee | PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL ByS.Michael S. Lee | PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL By Lee PINE COMMERCIAL
Those attending the 140th Founders’ Convocation Nelms said the personal touch that for sofor long Those attending the140th 140th Those Founders’ attending Convocation the 140ththe Founders’ Nelms Convocation said thepersonal personal Nelms touch said that the for personal solong long touch that for so lon Nelms said the personal touch that fo Those attending 140th Founders’ Convocation Nelms said the touch that so Those attending the Founders’ Convocation an education hascharacterized largely beenbeen lost. characterized HBCU education hasan largely HBCU been education lost. education has largely an HBCU hasb characterized an education has largely lost. Thursday morning at theatat University ofThursday Arkansas attheatUniversity Thursday morning the Thursday University morning Arkansas at atat characterized of Arkansas atanHBCU morning the University of HBCU Arkansas atcharacterized Thursday morning the University ofofArkansas served people with with awith kind of love and quality “Weserved served people akind kind served love people andquality with quality a kind qu “We served people withofa love kindand of lov “We a“We ofof love and Pine Pine Bluff were told black colleges and PineBluff Bluffwere werethat toldhistorically thatPine historically Bluff were black told colleges that historically and black colleges and Pine Bluff were told that“We historically blackpeople colleges and told that historically black colleges and that they never forgot, ” Nelms said. “We have gotten that they never forgot, ”Nelms that Nelms they said. never “We forgot, have ”gotten Nelms “Wesaid. have“We go that they never forgot,”said. Nelms that never ”of said. “We have gotten universities mustmust do asdo much to recruit students universities must doasasmuch universities much recruit must students doof asallmuch to recruit students offorgot, all universities must do as much tothey recruit students all universities totorecruit students ofof allall from that. This isto not about money but about away from that.are This away not about from money that. This but isabout not about money abo away from that. This is not aboutbut mone away from that. This isis not money but about racesraces as predominantly whitewhite institutions are towhite races predominantly races white asinstitutions predominantly aredoing doing institutions are doing races as doing predominantly white institutions doing toabout asaspredominantly institutions are totoaway Any Any faculty members who who do not have the attitude. Anyfaculty faculty members attitude. who Any do faculty not have members the members who do not attitude. Any faculty whohave do attitude. members do not have the recruit blackblack students. recruit black students. recruit black students. recruit black students.attitude. recruit students. right attitude wantwant to think about changing it. right attitude might want right think attitude about might changing want to about changi right attitude might want to think abou right attitude might totothink about changing it.it.think Charlie Nelms, a 1969 alumnus of Arkansas Charlie Nelms, 1969alumnus alumnus Charlie Nelms, ofArkansas Arkansas aNelms, 1969 alumnus of Arkansas Charlie a 1969 alumnus ofmight Arkansas Charlie Nelms, aa1969 of social landscape since UAPB was “The social landscape has “The changed social landscape since UAPB has was changed since UAP “The social landscape has changed si “The social landscape has changed since UAPB was A. M.A.A. &M. N. UAPB), toldA.the assembled in UAPB), M.&(now &N. N.(now (nowUAPB), UAPB), told M.crowd &the N. crowd (now UAPB), assembled told crowd in has changed A. M. & assembled N. (now told theassembled crowd assembled in told the crowd ininthe“The founded, Nelms said. said. “Today a black student can go founded, Nelms said. “Today founded, ”black Nelms student “Today cansaid. go a“Today black student founded, ”said. Nelms a black ca st founded, ”L.”Nelms “Today aablack student can go the H. O.H. Clemmons Arena ofthe theof Kenneth the H. Clemmons Arena H. of O. the Clemmons Kenneth Johnson ofArena the Kenneth Johnson the H. L. O.Johnson Clemmons of ”the Kenneth L. Johnson the O.O.Clemmons Arena the Kenneth L.L.Arena Johnson where they want to gothe they have the grades to in. where theywant want goin theyhave have they the want grades to get go if they get in. have thehave grades where they want to in. go if they thetog where they toiftogo ififwhere they the grades toto get HPER Complex that in order to remain relevant ininthe HPER Complex that HPER order Complex remain that relevant order inthe the to remain in HPER Complex that in order torelevant remain relevant the HPER Complex that ininorder toto remain relevant in For the outstanding black student today race israce now For theoutstanding outstanding black For student the outstanding today black now student race is For the outstanding black today student today For the black student today race isisnow global educational landscape, HBCUs mustmust focus less less global educational landscape, global educational HBCUs mustlandscape, focus less HBCUs must focus less global educational landscape, HBCUs must focus less global educational landscape, HBCUs focus often an advantage instead ofoften theofof hindrance was often anmost advantage instead an the advantage hindrance instead was20 of 20 the hindrance it w often anit advantage instead of the hindr often an advantage instead the hindrance itit20 was on their heritage and more on the most ontheir theirheritage heritage andmore more oncreating their oncreating creating heritage the and most more onmore creating the on their heritage and on creating the most on and on the most years ago. ”ago. years ago. years ago. ” ago.” years years ”” academically rigorous programs possible. academically rigorous programs academically possible. rigorousrigorous programs possible. academically programs possible. academically rigorous programs possible. Nelms said are faced with with several issues as Nelms saidhistorical HBCUs arefaced Nelms faced with said several HBCUs issues are faced with several Nelms said HBCUs faced withissu se Nelms said HBCUs are several issues asas are “The“The future is notisis determined by our historical “Thefuture future notdetermined determined “The future our ishistorical not historical determined by our historical “The future is not determined by HBCUs our not byby our they move forward. they move forward. forward. they move forward. they move forward. legacy, ” Nelms said. said. “We have ahave legacy that must be legacy, Nelms said.“We “Welegacy, Nelms legacy that must “Wesaid. have be “We a legacy must be must bethey move legacy, ”said. Nelms have athat legacy that legacy, ” ”Nelms have a”alegacy that must be is ain for black students, ” ” ”competition “There isaagrowing growing competition “There is“There afor growing black students, competition for blackfor stub is astudents, growing “There is competition for black remembered and appreciated but in order to succeed remembered andappreciated appreciated remembered but order and appreciated succeed but“There in order togrowing succeed remembered and appreciated but order tocompetition succeed remembered and but ininorder totosucceed Nelms said.HBCUs “There is a perception among some Nelms said.“There “There isaaperception Nelms perception said. among “There some is“There a perception among some Nelms said. is a perception amo Nelms said. ishave among some as anasacademic institution today HBCUs have asan anacademic academic institution as today an today academic HBCUs institution musthave have today HBCUs must have as anmust academic institution today must institution HBCUs must black parents and students that predominantly white black parents and students black that parents predominantly and students white that predominantly black parents and students that predomw black parents and that predominantly white contemporary relevance and contemporary be responsive to their contemporary relevance and responsive relevance their and be responsive to their contemporary relevance and be responsive tostudents their contemporary relevance and beberesponsive tototheir institutions are better than than HBCUs. We are also student body.body. ”body. institutions arebetter better than institutions HBCUs. are We better arealso also than HBCUs. We are also institutions are better than HBCUs. We student student body. ” body.” institutions are HBCUs. We are student student ”” PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN T. WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPH BYBRIAN BRIAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN BY T. WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPH BRIAN T. WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPH BY T.T.WILLIAMS
Inaugural Edition Inaugural Edition Inaugural Edition
15 151 Inaugur
INSTANT REPLAY
Dr. Laurence Alexander, UAPB chancellor-elect gives remarks during Founders' Convocation. He will take office July 1.
scan the qr code with your smartphone or tablet to watch this event on youtube.
competing with the growth of community colleges as well as what is at times mediocre teaching at some HBCUs.” Nelms said budget cuts on the state and national level are creating particular challenges for HBCUs. “How can a poorly funded school compete with a school that has all the bells and whistles?” Nelms asked rhetorically. “Now, we are meeting here in the gym today and it’s nice but there are schools with designated convocation centers. We are going to have a nice lunch today over in the L.A. Davis Sr. Student Union building. Now, it is a nice building but it was built in 1952. I’m not saying these things to be mean but I’m just trying to prove a point. This school is competing for students with all of those other schools.” Nelms said HBCUs need both fiscal and physical support. “We must raise the expectations that we have for ourselves,” Nelms said. “If we set them high people rise to meet them and if we set them low then they rise to beat them so let’s go ahead and set them high. We need to have students who learn and don’t just show up to class. Students, please do not dishonor the legacy of those who went before you by not graduating.” Nelms said students must graduate with a credential that allows them to compete globally. “It’s not UAPB competing with Texas Southern or Grambling anymore,” Nelms said. “You are competing Charlie Nelms Nelms served as chancellor of North Carolina Central University in Durham from 2007 to 2012. During his tenure he raised the standards for
16
PRIDE Magazine
Faculty wearing regalia during the academic procession were surrounded by African Drums from the UAPB Percussion Ensemble. Convocation was moved to Thursday morning this year.
with students in China and Indonesia. Towards that end UAPB must offer high-quality, competitive programs.” Nelms said UAPB alumni needed to maintain an active role in the future of the institution. “All of you UAPB alums need to write UAPB into your budget,” Nelms said. “We have to start giving money instead of lip service. You can’t talk a scholarship into existence. Talk is cheap; that’s why so many people do it.” Nelms closed by stating that governmental bodies and the business community must allow HBCUs the same access to human and financial resources that is afforded to other institutions of higher learning.
undergraduate admissions and progression and guided the establishment of the first and only Ph.D. program to be offered at NCCU in 50 years. In 2012 Nelms was awarded the MLK Drum Major for Service Award by President Barack Obama for
helping to address the most pressing community and national needs. Nelms is launching a national initiative related to transforming HBCUs.
In 2012, the Golden Lions football team beat Jackson State University 24-21 to clench the championship title in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Coach Monte Coleman and his staff worked very hard to secure the first outright championship win in the history of the institution. Highlights of the game included an improbable 95-yard touchdown pass, the longest play ever in the conference title game, from UAPB quarterback Ben Anderson to wide receiver University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Willie Young late in regulation Golden Lions win the and a 26-yard 2012 SWAC Championship field goal in overtime by Arkansas-Pine Bluff kicker Ryan Strickland that lifted the Golden Lions to victory.
UAPB Football Head Coach Monte Coleman pauses for a photo outside Golden Lion Stadium. The win was the first outright championship in the University's history.
WE are the champions
The
The Golden Lions celebrate their win against Jackson State University at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
“Winning the SWAC Championship meant a whole lot to me. It meant we were moving in the right direction. It showed me God’s blessings on this football team. It is always great to be first. It feels great to be the very first to win an outright SWAC Championship for UAPB as head coach.”
“The SWAC Championship win meant the world to each player. It showed them that hard work and dedication pays off. It showed them that as a team working together we can achieve things. It gave them the assurance that UAPB is no longer the stepping mat in the SWAC. We won and they will give us our due respect also.”
Inaugural Edition
17
RESEARCH
Global 2030:
A tale of fish Supply and Demand
Bobbie Handcock | SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND HUMAN SCIENCES
The Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence at UAPB has been collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute, World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation on a global project : “Fish to 2030: the Supply and Demand for Food Fish to 2030.” The comprehensive assessment of the world’s fish supply and demand covers production potential, projected demand for fisheries products, and key economic, technological and environmental factors. The study projects global supply and demand for fish and fish meal and oil using IFFRI’s global food policy model known as the IMPACT Model. The assessment includes 16 food fish categories from the production side, nine food fish/seafood categories from the consumption side, fish meal and fish oil. It deals with 115 country groups, including the United States. Preliminary results reveal that the demand for fish and food fish consumption will increase substantially in Asian countries, particularly in China, south Asian and southeast Asian regions. Net export of fish from China might decrease due to increased local consumption. World prices of fish meal and fish oil are expected to rise over the next 20 years. Food fish consumption in North American is also expected to increase. Results indicate that aquaculture must make a major contribution to fill the growing gap between supply and demand and that investment in sustainable aquaculture will drive sustainable supplies. The aquaculture sector in the North American region has the potential to grow. The UAPB team has shared some preliminary findings with various sections of the U.S. aquaculture/seafood industry that can use this research in designing and/or redesigning business plans. 18
PRIDE Magazine
Physics professor participates in
International book fair
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff helps
Arkansas to stay on top in agriculture
By Carol Sanders | SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND HUMAN SCIENCES
The University of Arkansas Sweetpotato Foundation Seed Program has successfully developed its first virus-tested sweetpotato plants. UAPB scientists have produced virus-tested sweetpotato plants that were transferred to and multiplied in the greenhouse. These plants produced generation zero (G0) slips (cuttings) that were planted in the field. Two acres were planted in 2012. These slips produced generation one (G1) sweetpotato roots. G1 seed sweetpotatoes will be available to Arkansas slip producers in 2013. Plans are to increase the acreage in coming years. Growers need virus-indexed slips in time to allow for the 90 to 120 day growing season. For years Arkansas sweetpotato growers have had to rely on neighboring states for slips. Most Arkansas producers purchase slips from two Arkansas slip producers who get their seed potatoes (G2) from Louisiana, North Carolina or Mississippi. But, this may soon be a thing of the past. Several sweet-potato related research projects are underway at UAPB ranging from the effect of cover crops on sweetpotato production, effect of herbicides on weed control in sweetpotato fields and selected insecticides for soil insect control in sweetpotato to microbiological quality of fresh-cut sweet potatoes treated with chitosan and hydroxypropl methylcellulose-based edible coatings. slip: a cutting taken from a sweetpotato vine for planting
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Dr. Miah Muhammad Adel, Professor of Physics and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has two of his three books on display at the Ekushe Book Fair in Dhaka, Bangladesh as part of International Vernacular Day. His first book is on the safest posture having the least risk for lightning strikes entitled Sejday Abastan Bajraghat theke Paritran in Bengali. Climate change has recently increased the lightning strikes in Bangladesh, a country where many people are outside in the open air at a time and results in a heavy death toll annually. Using the laws of electricity, Dr. Adel proves that prostration is the safest position to avoid lightning strikes. Earlier he published an article on this in Physics International in 2012. The author’s second book is on water piracy at the upstream entitled Jaladasyupana in Bengali. He has portrayed the water piracy picture at the upstream of Bangladesh that has lost more than 60% of water resources in the Ganges basin. This is a heavy loss on the water resources that established and maintained her wetland ecosystem covering more than one-third of the country’s total wetlands (66% of the country). Also, he has mentioned water piracy in the Aral Sea basin, the Indus basin, and the Mekong basin in his book. This is an outcome of his decade-long research on South Asian water resources. The author’s third book is on the integrated downstream effects from the upstream water piracy and is entitled Treeteo Jibjagat in Bengali. His second and the third books are an eye-opening for the upstream water pirates that bring irreparable and irreversible damages including species extinction in the downstream countries. Also, the books have lessons for the World Bank and other donor agencies and for policy makers and planners. His third book will be on display during the Bengali New Year’s Day Fair about a month later. Dr. Adel has published many articles in refereed scientific journals and news media about the materials of the second and the third books. Inaugural Edition
19
RESEARCH
Working to Ensure a Safe, Healthy Food Supply
Biology Professor
publishes first paper PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The study of cellular respiration in organisms is one of the most important but often difficult subjects to teach at the high school, undergraduate, or continuing education levels according to Dr. Sederick C. Rice, assistant professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Dr. Rice authored his first paper entitled, “Using Interactive Animations to Enhance Teaching, Learning, and Retention of Respiration Pathway Concepts in Face-to-Face and Online High School, Undergraduate, and Continuing Education Learning Environments” in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education. The article aims to provide high school, undergraduate, and continuing education biology or life science teachers/instructors with classroom strategies for introducing and implementing respiration content from Virtual Cell Animation Collections. “Educators have to keep up with changing trends in education as a result of technological advances, higher student/ teacher ratios, and the influence of social media on best practices in education,” says Dr. Rice. “It is critical for teachers/ instructors to be able to present content that not only keeps students interested but also helps bridge learning gaps.” The overall goal is to provide access 20
PRIDE Magazine
to free online resources to support and develop more inquiry-based classroom and distance-learning environments and experiences that can be facilitated by teachers/instructors, which helps improve retention of important respiration subject content and problem-based learning skills for students. A 1994 graduate of UAPB, Dr. Rice has worked extensively with the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and the Biomedical Sciences Careers Programs (BSCP), associated with the Harvard University Medical School, to promote opportunities for students interested in biomedical science fields and careers. Dr. Rice’s keys to success are a strong relationship with God, good mentor-relationships, and family support. The Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education (JMBE) is sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM; www.asm.org) and is a professional life science society with more than 39,000 members in the United States and abroad. JMBE publishes original, previously unpublished, peer-reviewed articles. The scientific scope of the journal is rooted in microbiology while branching out to biology. The educational scope of the journal is primarily undergraduate education; however, submissions that feature good pedagogy and good design used in kindergarten through high school education or graduate and professional (e.g., medical school) education will be considered for publication.
Faculty from the UAPB departments of human sciences and agriculture are working with faculty from Iowa State University to ensure a safe, healthy food supply on two fronts – preparing students for careers in food safety and using plant-derived sources of natural preservatives to extend the shelf-life of chevon (goat meat) products. The goal of the chevon project is to increase consumer acceptance of goat meat products thus increasing market opportunities for Arkansas goat producers. Funding for this collaboration has been secured from two U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture capacity building awards. As a result of mentoring, one UAPB graduate is a federal food inspector with USDA/Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). Another student has been hired upon graduation; two interns have been retained for FSIS internships for summer 2013; three students participated in a voluntary FSIS program in 2011; and 10 students have had part of their tuition paid. An experimental food science laboratory has been equipped and a sensory evaluation laboratory is scheduled for completion. This will be used in the testing of goat meat and also for research by the 1890 Food Safety Consortium that includes thirteen 1890 institutions partnering to work on the prevention of microbial food outbreaks.
LET’S GET SOCIAL facebook.com/uapinebluff twitter.com/uapbinfo youtube.com/uapbtelevision instagram.com/uapb uapbnews.wordpress.com
Inaugural Edition
21
Photo courtesy of UAPB athletics.
ATHLETICS
University of Arkansas at Pine FROM THE PRIDE Bluff offensive tackle Terron Armstead was selected with the No. 75 pick in the third round by Armstead drafted by the the New Orleans New Orleans Saints Saints during the 2013 NFL Draft. The announcement was made during the live coverage on ESPN at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Armstead (6'5, 306 lbs) became the 504th player from a SWAC member institution to be taken in the NFL Draft and the first player since 2011. To cap his collegiate career, he helped lead UAPB to the 2012 SWAC Football Championship title, its first conference title overall in football. He helped UAPB finish first in the SWAC rushing offense (204.7 ypg) and second in sacks against. In his senior season, he started all 12 games, playing in a total of 32 games
TO THE PARISH
22
PRIDE Magazine
during his career. At the 2013 NFL Combine, Armstead ran a remarkably fast 4.71 sec 40-yard dash, which is the fastest 40 yard dash time of any offensive lineman at the combine since it first began in 1982. He is also an eight-time individual champion in indoor and outdoor track & field.
Fast FEAT Ninfa Barnard sets SWAC Outdoor Record
2013 SWAC Outdoor championships brought out the best in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden and Lady Lions Track teams. Ninfa Barnard proved to be the woman of the day by placing first in the 800 meters (2:15.16), 1500 meters (4:37.47) and the 5000 meters (17:50.38), setting a new SWAC outdoor record. Barnard was also honored by being the top female scorer for the entire meet with a tally of 30 points.
HOME FREE
TO SOAR
Brandon Thurmond (Defensive End, 6' 1", 270lb) of Augusta, GA signs Free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons
Inaugural Inaugural Edition Edition
23
ATHLETICS
for those individuals deserving student-athletes, their being honored, the team families, teams, athletics departments they represent and our and colleges in much the same way as athletics program in Phi Beta Kappa honors scholastics. general, ” stated Athletics “It's a big honor, I just have to Student athletes inducted into the Director Lonza Hardy, Jr. keep working hard and striving to Chi Alpha Sigma National College The National reach my goals”, stated Golden Lions College Athlete Honor football player Anthony Smith. Athlete Honors Society Society (NCAHS), “It's a big accomplishment and Chi Alpha Sigma, it's good that student-athletes can was founded on May be recognized for what they do in One the highest honors that can be 17, 1996 at DePauw University in school,” said Fabiola Cardosa, a Lady given to a student-athlete, with the Greencastle, Indiana. Its founding Lions tennis player. exception of a degree, was bestowed father was Nick Mourouzis, upon 12 University of Arkansas at Listed below are the student-athletes DePauw's head football coach. Pine Bluff student-athletes as they who received this prestigious honor The mission of the NCAHS is were inducted into the National as being the second class inducted to bring honor and recognition to College Athlete Honor Society, Chi into the honor society. Alpha Sigma. THE 2013 INDUCTEES “Anytime you have an opportunity Maria Cabane Junior Women's Tennis Team Cumulative GPA of 3.914 to honor students for achievements Fabiola Cardosa Junior Women's Tennis Team Cumulative GPA of 3.962 in the classroom, whoever they Cody De Mera Senior Baseball Team Cumulative GPA of 3.650 may be is a great thing. The fact Redmond Floyd Junior Baseball Team Cumulative GPA of 3.721 Rachel Hornbuckle Junior Volleyball Team Cumulative GPA of 3.923 that this is an organization which Stephanie Jerson Senior Women's Track & Field Team Cumulative GPA of 3.727 recognizes student-athletes for Stanten Jones Senior Baseball Team Cumulative GPA of 3.452 their excellence not only in the Nicolas Plaza Junior Men's Tennis Team Cumulative GPA of 3.427 classroom but also in athletics, moral William Ross Senior Football Team Cumulative GPA of 3.504 Anthony Smith Senior Football Team Cumulative GPA of 3.421 character, and contributions to Rachel Tims Junior Volleyball Team Cumulative GPA of 3.897 community is a tremendous honor
Brains & Brawn
24
PRIDE Magazine
Jacob Whitney
Senior
Baseball Team
Cumulative GPA of 3.452
ACADEMICS
Cultivating the Core
of Creativity written by tisha d. arnold
photos by brian t. williams
Pictured from center out: Once on This Island; Joe Turner's Come and Gone; Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters; Do Lord Remember Me; and Midsummer Nights Dream.
when you first meet cheryl collins, mfa and alexis skinner, ma you might assume that they’ve known each other and collaborated on projects together for years – they met for the first time in the theatre department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2008 and haven’t looked back. Housed primarily in the John McLinn Ross theatre of the Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts building, the theatre department once enjoyed vibrant programming and unfortunately became dormant. Upon their arrival, they started their first season (the Homecoming Season) and have continued to garner numerous awards and accolades each year. Inaugural Edition
25
it’s easy. Theatre students constantly use math, science, architecture and design for set construction, sound properties for lighting and excellent time management skills, to name a few. According to UAPB Director of Theatre Cheryl Collins, MFA, that’s just the beginning. A theatre major that desires to act on stage must also have an emotional IQ. “It’s very rare in this country,” says Collins. “We often talk about intelligence IQ, but someone who is open enough to playing other people’s lives and representing them well on stage is not the easiest thing to do.” “If you just look at the acting portion of theatre – any time you do a play, you have to memorize a book,” says Collins. “You can’t just memorize your lines, you have to know when to speak.” While it’s not all work and no play, a tremendous amount of work goes into each production that requires late nights at times. “Any time you do something you love, you’re having fun.” Considering the skills needed by many different people, it’s an amazing sight but no small feat to see it work synergistically.
the journey to arkansas Having lived in Washington, D.C. for more than 15 years, Collins raised her son Stephen who’d gone off to college and found herself at a crossroad – mother was no longer her primary role. She was approached by a colleague at Coppin State University, Dr. Garey Hyatt, who recommended Collins and Skinner, unbeknownst to them. “I knew them both – Alexis was working with me at Coppin on a part time basis. Cheryl is my very good friend and was doing some wonderful things here at Prince Georges Community College,” said Hyatt. “Dr. Yolanda “Theatre is the place where everything comes together,” says Page (Dean - School Alexis Skinner, professor of theatre. “It relies on everyone’s of Arts and Sciences) cooperation, collaboration and creativity,” called me and asked for recommendations – Collins and Skinner were a From the stage, to the boards, to backstage perfect fit. I thank God that I was able to be a part of ushering performers around and making sure they’re the process.” where they need to be, light and sound design, behind the curtain If you’ve attended any of their set construction, choreography, writing, visual stellar productions, you can easily see the standard of communications and public relations, everyone has excellence they require of each component of a show to do their part. – but it doesn’t occur accidentally. helping students get their act together A common misconception about theatre is that Day one was not a walk in the park – there
26
PRIDE Magazine
were curriculum challenges and workplace readiness issues. Professionalism was the next hurdle. Having owned her own theatre company for years, Collins didn’t want to drop the level of expectation and performance when arriving at UAPB.
“The same level of quality I had with my professional theatre company, I demand of the students here,” says Collins. “And they were able to rise to the occasion.” Beginning wisely with plays that didn’t require a lot of set and costumes, the first production, Home was taken to the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA) competition where it won first place. Collins reflected on a comment given to her by one of the judges after the competition. “When she first saw it on Broadway I didn’t get it,” said Collins. “After watching our production of it, she could get it and she loved it.” Since that first year, they’ve brought home another first place trophy, a litany of awards on the individual level, performed at the Kennedy Center, had several students compete for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship (a national competition) and quadrupled the number of majors in the program. Collaboration doesn’t end with students in the program. Faculty and staff across the campus and community have a role in enriching the theatre program – playbill and set design by Brian T. Williams of the Title III office; vocal development from Dr. Melissa Davis, instructor of voice in the Music Department; retired technical director Charlie Isgrig of the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas to teaches students to build sets; and students like Clarance Stokes and Samille Palm that choreograph dances in each production. Outreach was an important component this past year and manifested itself in the form of the August Wilson Symposium. Coined the Black William Shakespeare, Wilson wrote a cycle of plays that chronicle African American life from the 1910s to the 1990s. Done in partnership with the UAPB Library, the event brought in outside producers and included workshops and discussions and had an immediate impact on the students that acted in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The performing arts are often looked at as a component that improves the quality of life, but it also gives life to those that embrace it. Professor Collins reflected on a student she believed had a mild form of autism and had a terrible stutter – except when he was on stage. “His lines came out smoothly, he played his roles and made sure everyone else got their lines right,” said
Collins and Skinner. She also noted that he didn’t like to be touched and was tense when other people were around him. After getting involved with the theatre family, Collins noted the student became welcoming of the human touch and was more confident. “He might be shy everywhere else, but he came to life on stage.” Professionalism and work ethic are other tenets of the program according to Alexis Skinner. She works hard to make sure students treat their involvement in a production like a job with emphasis on timeliness, collaboration skills and respect for the work done by themselves and others regardless of environment or profession. Although the bulk of actors, known as the John McLinn Ross Players are theatre majors, several actors are not and get the opportunity to be exposed the same principles of professionalism and work ethic as everyone else. “What I try to say to them is that theatre and oral communication can do nothing but help you in any field you plan to go in.” Using the illustration of a student going to a job interview, Collins set the scene noting that all the applicants had the same level of qualifications, background, education and experience. “Who’s going to get the job?” asked Collins. “The person that represents themselves the best - can look you in the eye and speak off the cuff about what the company needs.” At the same job interview, the ability to read nonverbal communication is key – an essential skill used in theatre. It can help the interviewee in assessing the engagement level of the interviewer and will give clues on the type of response needed when answering the next question. Looking ahead, Collins is excited about recently acquiring funding from Title III, staff and facility expansion, accreditation, and development of a world class program. “What we’ve been doing for the past few years has been like the Wizard of Oz,” quipped Collins. “We’d like to actually have a wizard and not have to make the impossible happen on limited resources.” The next time you attend a theatrical production, be sure to appreciate the John McLinn Ross Players and the theatre department with your time, speech and most of all, your resources.
from L to R: Na'Shall Castle, Travis Thomas, and Dominque Davis performs a scene from "The Gingerbread Man."
The John McLinn Ross Players perform a scene from The Gospel at Colonnus. Theatre majors graduate from UAPB and go into acting for commercials, motion pictures and stageplays and have obtained advanced degrees from top universities in the nation.
Inaugural Edition
27
FACULTY
“Driving at 65-75 miles per hour, a tire tread is like a missile being thrown at you,” said Danny. “When I saw it [coming at me] I braced myself – it missed the windshield, hit the top of the truck and flew to the side of the road. For two weeks I had nightmares about being decapitated and killed by a tire tread.”
USING TIRES to make HIS OWN TR ACKS written by tisha d. arnold
28
PRIDE Magazine
photos by brian t. williams
Years ago, UAPB Art Professor Danny Campbell was taking a routine ride down Interstate 25 in Atlanta, Georgia. While driving behind an eighteen wheeler, one of the tires blew out, causing the tread to separate from the wheel. It was headed right for him. After his accident, he eventually began driving around again and found himself on the same stretch of Interstate 25 feeling frantic and getting tense if someone honked their horn or a tire suddenly screeched. Collecting himself, he continued to the very spot where his car was hit weeks ago and found that the tire tread was still there. “It was like I was meeting my opponent one on one – I walked over, looked at it and said, you are going home with me.”
Danny collected tire treads for three months as a form of therapy, storing them at his house to the chagrin of the homeowner’s association of his subdivision. He was approached one day about his collection. He tried storing them in different areas around his home - including the driveway – that ultimately upset his wife, Staphea. He knew the destiny of the treads were going to have to change. “One night I had a dream. God showed me where I was making sculptures and works of art from tire treads.” Wondering what the deeper meaning of the dream was, he began to look further into accidents like his and discovered that thousands of deaths and injuries have been caused by loose tire treads on the highway. This ultimately led to a national campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of loose tire treads people began to identify their experiences with his.
in Art Education and a United States Army Commission. He also obtained a MFA degree from Howard University in 1994 in Painting and Drawing. He has taught in East Point, Georgia as an art instructor at Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program and as an Adjunct Professor at Atlanta Metropolitan College. His work can be viewed in many corporations, homes and venues across the country including the Hammonds House Museum of African American Art, Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library, Paine College, Howard University Museum, Tri-Cities Performing Arts Center, and UAMS Cancer Institute. He recently received the 2012 Bombay Artisan Series Award located at Mason Murer Gallery in Atlanta Georgia; was a featured artist at Art Basel in Miami; and was one of the featured artists highlighted on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise. Always learning from his environment and the world around him, he likes to frequent art galleries, network with other cutting edge artists and attend professional development workshops. According to Danny, everything should be a motivating factor – conversations with other people, nature and all things in between.
“I’m not a doctor or a scientist, I can’t perform surgery to save lives, but I can help by removing treads from the highway. If I can save lives by doing that, I feel like I am justified for being the artist that I am.” making waves in the art community
Hesitant at first about using the treads as a medium, Danny showed his first piece to fellow colleagues that were in awe when they saw it. “When they said wow, that was it. I knew then that I wanted to create the kind of art people had never seen before.” Campbell has been an educator for more than 20 years but hasn’t stopped pursuing his unique style. A native of Dumas, Arkansas and a 1992 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Art Department, he earned a B.S.
the beauty of the tread Tire treads are a durable commercial product – Danny proved that by stepping on one of his pieces that immediately sprang back to its shape. “I use this material because it is flexible – you can’t do that with paint. This allows me to create a three dimensional form that lasts as long as marble does.” Inaugural Edition
29
FACULTY
them are that art is needed and that passion is greater than talent. Coming in as a student with what “To do art is to see art in an entirely different way and he considered little talent, he perspective – most of the great artists out there are the ones noticed his classmates could do who notice everything.” everything with little to no effort. After more than 20 years in his craft, he is one of the few from his class that remained successful. “If a student has passion, drive and how he motivates his motivation, we can teach them to students Campbell become any artist they want to become.” returned to the - Danny Campbell is married to Staphea University of Arkansas Campbell and they have two children, at Pine Bluff as an Christian and Faith. instructor to make an impact on the next generation of artists. When asked by Art Department Chair Henri Linton to consider teaching at his alma mater, he didn’t give it a second thought. “I want to inspire young people – what better place to do that than UAPB?” He wants his students to see someone that came from a farm in Dumas and became a renowned artist. Above, Danny is honored with Using his art to keep the Chairman's him in balance with Circle of life, he tries to inspire Excellence Award at the Alumni his students to see well Conference in by challenging their Charlotte, North Carolina. Below, artistic vision. Senior he talks with Art Art Education major students during one of his exhibits. Marchello Eans raved about his approach to Danny noted that each piece is primed three art instruction. times and painted with industrial paint, “His passion experience and further supporting its durability. He also said that the material lends itself to the type of knowledge of art is invigorating,” said art he wanted to create that is inspired by the Eans. “Mr. Campbell ignited a fire within world around him. Photo courtesy of Marchello Eans me for art and life itself. I can take what he’s shown me and use it when I start teaching middle school art. He is so sincere and relatable and always has an open door policy.” With the main objective of inspiring students, some of the principles he uses to help them understand their craft and how it impacts the world around 30
PRIDE Magazine
thank you I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those that donated to the scholarship that I received. The funds helped me purchase two books that I would not have been able to purchase. The donations helped make my life easier so that I can continue my studies at UAPB without worrying about needing financial assistance.
Arrica Murphy Biology Pine Bluff, AR
Inaugural Edition
31
ALUMNI
From Tragedy TO
TRIUMPH written by donna mooney
photos by brian t. williams
Long after the momentous 2010 graduation where First Lady Michelle Obama was the touted commencement speaker and 31 months after her ABC World News interview about overcoming homelessness to graduate from college, Quiana Childress has another major challenge to conquer. Childress wants to be a U.S. Surgeon General or America’s Doctor. Remember Childress? She is the smart, hardworking biology pre-med graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff who had the good fortune of having UAPB Commencement Speaker First Lady Michelle Obama acknowledge her struggles from the podium. Her problems stemmed back to when she was a 16-year-old teenager in Newport, Arkansas. One of 10 children, one day this 16-year-old found herself a homeless high school student who had to figure out very quickly how to live on her own. She cleared that hurdle to receive her CNA license and developed more stamina and strong will. Then she graduated from Newport High School with a 3.96 GPA and looked forward to college.
“According to statistics, I was supposed to be a teenage mom without a chance of graduating from high school, but I made it!” 32
PRIDE Magazine
That high GPA landed her at Westminster College. After a one-semester stay at Westminster, where she earned a 4.0 GPA, she returned to Arkansas, settling in Little Rock. She took a brief sabbatical from traditional college courses and took the fast-track to finish an LPN degree, which allowed her to work smarter and still earn a decent living. Then, she became a full-time student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and graduated summa cum laude with much fanfare and not a few tears. While most college students were content living in the dorm from one financial aid refund check to the next, Childress had more in mind. It was not just about survival, but thriving…taking one accomplishment at a time, allowing each to push her forward. In fall 2009, Childress was one of two UAPB students in the Department of Biology to receive a NASA Stem Minority Research Grant. That summer, she was selected from 500 applicants for the Yale University School of Medicine BioSTEP program to perform biomedical research in the Department of
Neurosurgery, becoming the first student at UAPB and any Arkansas college and university to receive this honor. The previous year, she was selected from 300 applicants to perform biomedical research at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. life after college A lover of science by choice, Childress has continued her trek towards medical school since graduating from UAPB. She completed a one-year fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institute of Health at North Carolina. Then she received a graduate certificate in health sciences at MeHarry Medical College at Tennessee. According to Childress, the best experience she has had since postgrad is when her lab work at NIHS was accepted for an oral presentation at the American Thoracic Society
International Conference. “This was the coolest experience because being a junior (six months into research) my work was accepted in its first scientific conference,“ she said. I presented to medical doctors, Ph.Ds. and HDs. That was awesome!” Childress explained that she was a principal investigator in the research venture that included a doctor over the lab and additional lab co-workers. “If it had not been for UAPB research experience I would not have this fellowship – at UAPB I did research at Alaska, Yale, and NASA that allowed me to gain knowledge and background to confidently apply for fellowships and be selected from a high competitive process with 1000s of applicants.”
Inaugural Edition
33
ALUMNI
“I entered UAPB raw and unformed. UAPB took me up in its cocoon and transformed me to a thriving butterfly, ready for life. The opportunities that were afforded to me at UAPB were beyond my wildest dreams. I will never forget, and I will always give back to my alma mater!”
Her advice to upcoming science students is to have them determine what they want and what goals they want to achieve. Whether the subject is pre-medical, pharmacy, or research, take the classes and get into the programs that will expose them to areas of interest early. She also recommends high school students to take advantage of science programs that are available. For college students, she said getting a mentor is a must. “At UAPB, Dr. Anissa Buckner, Dr. Matute, Dovie Burl, Dr. Jewell Walker, Dr. Carolyn Blakely, Dr. Sederick Rice, Dr. Vaughn and Dr. Mary Brentley were all mentors to me in different ways,” Childress said. “I went to different people and got advice for different areas and different times in my life. I don’t believe in just one mentor. For example, Vivian Flowers at the UAMS Diversity office has also mentored me.” “I found Ms. Childress to be a dedicated and resolved individual that had endured great struggles, but never lost her will and desire to become a world renowned heart surgeon,” said Dr. Sederick Rice, professor of Biology. “She is patient, diligent, highly 34
PRIDE Magazine
motivated, skilled, resilient, and most importantly faithful to her belief system in God and his grace, power, and majesty as a support system for her personal and career goals.” goals for life “My goals 10 years from now are to still be in residency because it takes five to seven years past medical school,” she said confidently. “My ultimate goal is to become U.S. Surgeon General and follow in the footsteps of Dr. Joycelyn Elders (the first African American U.S. Surgeon General) and Dr. Regina Benjamin.” Childress said the Surgeon General’s position would allow her to implement programs to make sure Americans are healthy, receive the proper vaccinations and have quality health care. That theory has led her into an interest in international health and medicine, which obviously leads her to medical school. However, by July 2012 she had not been accepted to medical school, yet. In August 2012, a door that she was beginning to think was closed had finally opened when Ross University School of Medicine at Dominica, West Indies (Caribbean Island) accepted Childress into medical school. “School
A lover of science and passionate about improving quality of life, Quiana is pictured doing research inside a labatory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas.
officials told me that they were confident that my life experiences and determination would drive me to successfully complete their medical school curriculum and become a highly skilled physician. I became re-energized! Finally, my dream was becoming a reality!” The positive part about being in medical school in the Caribbean is that it will introduce her to another health care system. The U.S. is one of the top developed countries, but the poorest in health, according to Childress. “If we look at health care in different countries, then we can see how it works for them and gather ideas – pool from others to greatly improve our system and learn what does and does not work. We’ll not only receive or learn from other countries, but also we will share our knowledge with them.” “I know my research will take me far. The issues of health are transcontinental – they benefit the whole world. It would be selfish to focus on issues only affecting the United States. Most countries all have some of the same issues, they’re just packaged differently.” Childress said her UAPB college experience prepared her for her future.
SAVE THE DATE
UAPB / AM&N
HOMECOMING OCTOBER 12-19, 2013 Inaugural Edition
35
COVER Story
ld
en by
writt
36
PRIDE Magazine
no d. ar tisha
p
brian s by hoto
ms
lia t. wil
S
ince May 29, 2012 Dr. Calvin Johnson has served as interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff until a new leader was chosen. Now that the selection process is complete, he is preparing to transition to the continuance of a new chapter in his life – retirement. His career in education as a teacher and faculty member spans more than 30 years. He served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1998 to 2004 and former member of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education at UAPB and a master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Inaugural Edition
37
COVER
Chancellor Johnson poses for a photo in his office at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
of Central Arkansas. He completed his Ph.D. degree in adult education and public school administration at Kansas State University. According to Johnson, his role as dean complimented his role as chancellor since many of the things that deans are required to do are very much tied into the work of the chancellor. Some of the main challenges with being Chancellor have to deal with leadership, accreditation, faculty and assessments in instruction. At the end of the day, the university has an overall responsibility to address those issues according to Johnson. In his case, having been exposed to the legislature and school districts gave him an advantage in understanding how that component works. As chancellor, you have oversight of the total campus environment and its operation. The biggest challenge for Johnson was coming to grips with the fact that the buck stopped with him. “I cannot send things any further for decision or consultation. The decision is made at the chancellor’s level and that’s it. You have to do your best to render decisions that are fair and represent the interests of the whole.” ups and downs Dr. Johnson reflected on the past year and recalled some of the highlights of his tenure: most recently, initiating the first annual Chancellors Excellence Awards; renewal of accreditation for the Teacher Education program; and success of athletic program. “Being able to hold the trophy when the football team won the SWAC championship is a memory I will never 38
PRIDE Magazine
forget.” He is also very proud of the progress the university has made toward improving customer service and has received a lot of feedback from individuals that say they appreciate how the university is headed in the direction where customers feel like they are appreciated. He's also had the opportunity to go around the country and speak to different alumni groups that have proven to be a valuable resource in giving honest opinions. “They let me know if we are doing the kinds of things that they expect us to do.” It was disappointing for Dr. Johnson when he attended the meeting where the Arkansas Natural State Board of Nursing decided to close the Nursing program at UAPB. “I understand what they were saying; nevertheless, it was a program that several students were interested in.” It was also very difficult to have received the news of a possibly tragic accident involving the Vesper Choir in March. Thankfully, the resilient group only suffered minimal injuries and were able to complete a successful tour. the view from here Adjusting the scope of consideration when running an institution was the most noticeable difference from years as a Dean - you are required to engage a different group of individuals and do your best to make a fair decision. With the goal in mind to remain viable and competitive, Johnson touted accreditation of programs such as teacher education; however, funding continues to be the biggest hurdle to overcome. The balancing act comes in when trying to meet productivity standards
Clockwise from top left: Dr. Johnson speaks to a full room in the J.M. Ross Theatre of the Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts building during his Welcome Convocation where he greeted many well wishers including Dr. Diane Gilleland. He also spoke during the opening reception for the 2012 National Alumni Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina and the closing reception during the Faculty/Staff Seminar.
and serve the university’s historic mission to serve students that are not considered to have the best odds of graduating.
employee when I see workers taking care of the grounds and making sure we have a clean work environment each morning – to me, all of that makes up the university community.” Specifically to faculty, he is thankful “I think we should be commended for taking those for their support of the university and his students that other institutions, in some cases, will not position as Interim Chancellor. He urges admit and moving them into the mainstream of academic them to continue working together and success.” be aggressive in asking and working for what they want and ultimately transfer that There are several programs in place that offer low resolve to their students. student to faculty ratio like Basic Academic Services, “We must do a better job in preparing our students for Trio Student Support Services and the Learning the next level,” says Johnson. “We must require them to Institute and Opportunities for New Students (LIONS) learn their subject matter. Whatever it takes, we have to program. work with them to get it done.” When thinking of faculty and staff, Johnson feels He is passionate about valuing every student and thankful and is appreciative of all employees of the doesn’t like seeing any of them leave the university. university. Dr. Johnson is always thinking something could have “I’m always reminded of the importance of every been done to retain them - helping them work through Inaugural Edition
39
COVER
Clockwise from top left: Dr. Johnson takes a photo with the 2012 SWAC trophy and is accompanied by Athletics Director Lonza Hardy and Head Football Coach Monte Coleman; Chancellor gives remarks during the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the STEM Academy and Conference Center; escorts Mrs. Johnson in during the Chancellor's Benefit for the Arts and gives remarks as he honors former Chancellor Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr.; and is pictured with Dr. John Kuykendall, keynote speaker for the Chancellor's Awards held in May.
and where they need to be will help Dr. Alexander have an enjoyable experience at UAPB. looking ahead Dr. Johnson plans to work part time to help Dr. Alexander during the “We can’t give students the answers – we have transition. After that, he looks forward to learn how to be retired - he’d only been out of the to make them dig for it – and then recognize office from his position as Dean of the School of them for finding the answer.” Education for 10 months before accepting the position as Interim Chancellor. He also plans to visit elderly family members, grandchildren that When asked about what he would tell Dr. Alexander, are growing up too fast and pursuing personal projects. the next leader chosen to take the helm effective July He also mentioned helping out in other areas at UAPB, 1, 2013, he would urge him to understand the culture noting that he sees some areas where he may be of of a historically black college, its faculty, and students, assistance. have high expectations and be patient to work with individuals to maximize their potential. “I do not look forward to sitting at home “If [faculty and staff] know you support them and and doing nothing. That’s not me, are interested with them, they will do what they need to I can’t do that.” do to raise the bar.” Johnson believes coming in with an open mind along with doing assessments in terms of where people are financial aid, academics and social adjustment with an emphasis on mentoring and a precedence for high expectations.
40
PRIDE Magazine
IN MEMORIAM Deceased alumni since July 2012, arranged by graduation year. retirement and
MRS. ETHEL L. DAVIS
enjoyed spending
Ethel L. Davis passed
time on the golf
away on May 7, 2013.
course up until she
She was born July
became ill. She was
31, 1937 to the late
a member of several
Ben H. and Ruby
education associations
Grant in Texarkana,
and Delta Sigma
AR. She completed
Theta Sorority, Inc.
her college education
For twenty one years
at AM&N College
she served as the First
(now the University
Lady of the University
of Arkansas at
of Arkansas at Pine
Pine Bluff) earning a B.S. degree in mathematics and later earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a concentration in mathematics. She made history in Pine Bluff as the first African American to be hired to teach at Dollarway high school. Her teaching career that spanned over thirty years ended with her retirement from Pine Bluff high school in 1996. Her mastery of her subject matter was without question as she had the privilege of writing math questions for the ACT test during her tenure at Pine Bluff high school. She became an avid golfer after
Bluff. She is survived by her husband of fifty three years, Lawrence A. Davis, Jr.; daughter, Sonya Cole (Kenneth) of Pine Bluff; son, Lawrence A. Davis, III (Rosaland) of Little Rock; two sisters, Alsenior Davis of Matteson, IL; Ruby Crittenden of Port Huron, MI; two brothers, Harvey Grant of St. Louis, MO; Tavis Grant of Chicago, IL; four granddaughters; five grandsons; and one great grandson. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Catherine Davis Harvey. Funeral services were held Wednesday May 15 at Pilgrim MB Church in Pine Bluff.
Inaugural Edition
41
IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM
1940s Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Nelson’40 1940s 11-03-2012. Far West Region
Mr. Henry Shed’62 Mr. Henry Shed’62 10-05-2012, Far West Region Mr. Bennie 10-05-2012, FarCox’64 West Region Mr. BennieSouthwest Cox’64 Region 10-04-2012,
01-17-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mr. James McKissic’62 Mr. James Pine McKissic’62 02-14-2013. Bluff, Arkansas
02-02-2013. Chicago, Illinois
Mrs. Wanda Taylor Nelson’64 Mrs. Wanda Taylor Nelson’64 11-26-2012 , Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard
Mrs. Mary Far Elizabeth Nelson’40 11-03-2012. West Region Mrs. Verna G. Mixon’44 Mrs. VernaPine G. Bluff, Mixon’44 01-17-2013. Arkansas
10-04-2012, Southwest Region
Mrs. Earnestine Terry Johnson’47 Mrs. Earnestine 02-02-2013. Chicago,Terry IllinoisJohnson’47
02-14-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
1950s Mr. Lannie A. Smith’51 1950s
11-26-2012 Region , Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard Region
Mr. LannieSouthwest A. Smith’51 9-27-2012, Region
7-30-2012, Southwest Region
Mr. George T. Watkins, Jr.’53 Mr. GeorgeSouthwest T. Watkins, 11-01-2012, RegionJr.’53
11-01-2012, Southwest Region
Mrs. Alberta Brown Williams’53 Mrs. Alberta Brown Williams’53 01-21-2013 Eudora, Arkansas
01-21-2013 Eudora, Arkansas
Dr. Eryn Earle White Moore’54 Dr. Eryn Earle Moore’54 10-11-2012, GreatWhite Lakes/Eastern Seaboard
10-11-2012, Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard Region Region
Mr. Thomas L. Stevens, Jr. ‘54 Mr. Thomas Stevens, Jr. ‘54 01-31-2013. LosL.Angeles, California
01-31-2013. Los Angeles, California
Mrs. Vhaness Dalton Henderson‘56 Mrs. Vhaness Henderson‘56 12-26-2012. PineDalton Bluff, Arkansas
12-26-2012. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mr. Leonard J. Bynum’65 Mr. Leonard J. Rock, Bynum’65 02-14-2013. Little Arkansas
02-14-2013. Little Rock, Arkansas
Mrs. Gloria B. Neal’68 Mrs. GloriaPine B. Bluff, Neal’68 04-02-2013. Arkansas
04-02-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Jimmie Lee Martin Edwards’69 Jimmie Lee Martin Edwards’69 02-12-2013.
02-12-2013. Sherrill, Arkansas Sherrill, Arkansas
Dr. Carl A. Hyman’72 Dr. Carl A.Southwest Hyman’72 Region 9-20-2012 9-20-2012 Southwest Region Mr. Dolye E. Frazier’76 Mr. DolyeSouthwest E. Frazier’76 9-14-2012, Region
Mrs. Marva Maxie Tennyson’76 Mrs. MarvaMonterey Maxie County, Tennyson’76 12-30-2012. California 12-30-2012. Monterey County, California Reverend W.T. Washington’76 Reverend Washington’76 11-18-2012,W.T. Southwest Region
11-18-2012, Southwest Region
1980s Mr. Michael Hurst’85 1980s
Mr. Michael Hurst’85 10-08-2012, Southwest Region Mr. Nolan McMuarry’61 Mr. NolanSouthwest McMuarry’61 8-15-2012, Region
8-15-2012, Southwest Region
Mr. James B. Mauldin’04 Southwest Region
Southwest Region
Mr. Jason L. Leary’05 Mr. Jason L. Leary’05 03-25-13 Jacksonville, AR
UNSPECIFIED Ms. Thomasyne D. Adams-Howard. UNSPECIFIED Ms. Thomasyne D. Texas Adams-Howard. 01-24-2013. Texarkana,
01-24-2013. Texarkana, Texas Brunette H. Allen Brunette Allen Los Angeles,H.California
Los Angeles, California
Mr. Mack Armoster, III Mr. Mack Southwest Armoster, III 9-20-2012, Region
9-20-2012, Southwest Region
Mrs. Rosemary Holmes Aytch Mrs. Rosemary Holmes Aytch 8-18-2012, Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard 8-18-2012, Region Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard Region Mr. Gregory Boston Mr. Gregory 03-28-2013. PineBoston Bluff, Arkansas
03-28-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mr. Clarence Blackwell’71 Mr. Clarence Blackwell’71 10-04-2012, Southwest Region
9-14-2012, Southwest Region
03-06-2013. Little Rock, Arkansas Little Rock, Arkansas
2000s Mr. James B. Mauldin’04 2000s
Mrs. Jerleaner Girley Helton’70 Mrs. Jerleaner Girley Helton’70 11-06-2012, Southwest Region
10-04-2012, Southwest Region
Jo Marva Davis Rancifer’60 Jo Marva Davis Rancifer’60 03-06-2013.
PRIDE Magazine PRIDE Magazine
02-24-2013. Normandy, Missouri
7-20-2012, Southwest Region
02-19-2013. Memphis, Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee
42 42
Mr. CharlesNormandy, L. Ballard’70 02-24-2013. Missouri
11-06-2012, Southwest Region
Mrs. Dortha Jean Meekins Beasley’60 Mrs. Dortha Jean Meekins 02-19-2013.Beasley’60
In Memoriam provided courtesy of Mrs. Staphea Campbell, executive director of the UAPB/ AM&N National Alumni Association.
1970s Mr. Charles L. Ballard’70 1970s
1960s Mrs. Virginia S. Henderson’60 1960s Mrs. Virginia S. Henderson’60 7-20-2012, Southwest Region
02-26-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
12-14-2012. Shreveport, Lousiana Shreveport, Lousiana
Mrs. Nina Beth Dokes Parker’54 Mrs. Nina Beth Dokes Parker’54 02-26-2013. Little Rock, Arkansas
02-26-2013. Little Rock, Arkansas
Shandy (Shana) Adway Marchbanks ‘99 Shandy (Shana) Adway Marchbanks ‘99 02-26-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mr. Andrew J. Perkins’12 Mr. Andrew J. Perkins’12 12-14-2012.
Mr. Allen Grissom’53 Mr. Allen Southwest Grissom’53 7-30-2012, Region
12-02-2012, Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard Region Region
2012, Southwest Region
03-25-13 Jacksonville, AR
9-27-2012, Southwest Region
Mr. Billye Thompson’53 Mr. Billye Thompson’53 12-02-2012, Great Lakes/Eastern Seaboard
Mrs. Maeola Roaf Jeffers’99 8-16Mrs. 2012, Maeola SouthwestRoaf RegionJeffers’99 8-16-
10-08-2012, Southwest Region
1990s Mrs. Helyn Wine’91 1990s
Mrs. HelynSouthwest Wine’91Region 10-06-2012,
10-06-2012, Southwest Region
Mrs. Anita M. Burgos-Brooks Mrs. Anita M. Burgos-Brooks 01-27-2013. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
01-27-2013. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mr. Franke L. Carr Mr. FrankeMilwaukee, L. Carr Wisconsin 03-25-2013.
03-25-2013. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ms. Katina Q. Jones Ms. KatinaPine Q. Bluff, Jones 02-13-2013. Arkansas
02-13-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mrs. Carolyn F. Wilkes Nelson Mrs. Carolyn Wilkes Nelson 03-08-2013. PineF.Bluff, Arkansas
03-08-2013. Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Ms. Marolynn S. Williams Ms. Marolynn S. Williams 9-04-2012, Southwest Region
9-04-2012, Southwest Region
UAPB and AM&N
National Alumni
CHICAGO SUMMER CONFERENCE
JULY 25-27, 2013
Hyatt Regency Chicago 151 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601 HOTEL
CONFERENCE
Reserve your room now Reservation Code: 2013 UAPB/AM&N Summer Conference
Register online at uapbalumni.org or by calling (870) 536-2309
PRIDE MAGAZINE PRIDE MAGAZINE University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
University ArkansasDrive at Pine BluffSlot 4789 1200 NorthofUniversity -Mail 1200 North University Drive -Mail Slot 4789 Pine Bluff, AR 71601-2780 Pine Bluff, AR 71601-2780
PRINTED BY UAPB PRINTING SERVICESMagazine 44 PRIDE 44 PRIDE Magazine PRINTED BY UAPB PRINTING SERVICES PRINTED BY UAPB PRINTING SERVICES